LAGRANGE – A two-run single in the top of the seventh by Kylee Rostochak was the difference for Wawasee in a 3-2 win at Lakeland Monday afternoon in the softball season opener for both clubs.

Rostochak, who went 3-4 on the day with a double, entered the season on a 22-game hitting streak from last year. Rostochak’s big hit in the seventh spoiled what was an otherwise good effort in the circle from Lakeland pitcher Paige Gust, who scattered nine hits and struck out four in the tough-luck loss.

Pitching counterpart Amber Lemberg won her varsity debut for Wawasee, working all seven innings, giving up just four hits and fanning four.

Courtney Crabtree aided Wawasee with two hits in three trips to the plate, one of which was a double, and drove in a run. Madison Campbell had a pair of hits for Lakeland.

Wawasee (1-0) will look to keep its mojo going Tuesday with another road date at West Noble, former home of current Wawasee skipper Jared Knipper.

In the junior varsity contest, Wawasee blew open a loose 4-1 lead with 10 runs in the top of the seventh inning to mash Lakeland 14-3. Hannah Haines earned the win in the circle with five innings of five strikeout ball.